Fendi and Kim Jones have debuted their ready-to-wear Spring/Summer 2022 collection at Milan Fashion Week. For his first live collection for Fendi, Jones decided to bring a party.
The collection is an artistic combination of Studio 54’s disco style and power-dressing. Jones’ said in a press release in relation to the 2022 season that “Our woman has let loose a bit — she’s going out, dressing up. We’ve all been locked away for so long that I think that’s what we all need right now”. He aims to bring together post-pandemic fashion whilst honouring the fashion houses past.
Jones’ inspiration for the came after discovering a hand-sketched logo in the Fendi archives by Antonio Lopez. Lopez was a Puerto Rican fashion illustrator who published works in many major magazines, such as Elle, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and the New York Times. He rose to prominence during the 60s and 70s, with his illustrations receiving high praise from many in the industry. Lopez was good friends with Karl Lagerfeld – the previous creative director of Fendi – and, similar to Lagerfeld, was a regular at Studio 54.
Studio 54 was a famous disco nightclub on 54th Street in Manhattan. It operated from 1977-1984 and is known for its iconic style requirements for entry and celebrity guests, including Leonard Bernstein, David Bowie, Andy Warhol, Elizabeth Taylor and Elton John. Currently, it is home to the Studio 54 Broadway theatre and in the basement is the distinguished Feinstein’s/54 Below. Studio 54 has had a significant cultural impact and is considered the founder of modern nightclub culture. Furthermore, it has been the inspiration for many fashion and cosmetic releases, including Calvin Klein and Michael Kors.
The collection uses primarily neutral colours, with eleven of the looks breaking the mould through the use of abstract and colourful designs. Many of the looks make use of long, flowy, high-waisted trousers, low-cut tops, sharp lines on blazers and coats, and a couple of cocktail dresses throw in as well. Jones collaborated with the Artistic Director of Accessories, Silvia Venturini Fendi and Artistic Director of Jewellery, Delfina Delettrez Fendi, to ensure that the accessories exhibited Lopez’s style.
One of the most exciting aspects of the collection is the moon-shaped purse that was wrapped around the wrist of many of the models. The purse features gold-lettering of Fendi on the purse’s underside. It is such a new design that the purse is yet to be named.
Other collections to look out for at Milan Fashion Week are Max Mara, Versace, Prada, Giorgio Armani and Dolce & Gabbana.
Fendi has yet again released a ready-to-wear collection that precisely joins the past and future of fashion. Jones’ first live show was impressive, and we can’t wait to see what his future at Fendi holds.